Glendale Prep Seniors Embrace the Spirit of Giving

In a heartwarming display of community and compassion, seniors from Glendale Prep gathered for their second retreat of the year at Assistant Headmaster Sarbacker’s home. The event was not just about a little down time and camaraderie; it was a special occasion dedicated to spreading joy to those in need during the holiday season.

The special day began with a continental breakfast, accompanied by holiday music that set a festive tone. Seniors laughed and enjoyed the company of their peers in the welcoming setting of the home. The backyard buzzed with the sounds of laughter and conversations, creating the atmosphere of a family gathering – a family with a lot of teenagers.

However, the highlight of this retreat was the seniors’ commitment to making a positive impact on the community. Recognizing the importance of giving back, each senior brought an unwrapped toy or game to contribute to the cause of bringing joy to children in need.

The Glendale Fire Department played a crucial role in this charitable endeavor. Arriving at the retreat in a fire engine, they collected the donated toys, which will be distributed through their charity to bring smiles to the faces of deserving children. The collaboration with the local fire department added an extra layer of community involvement, highlighting the unity between educational institutions and essential community services.

Seniors Jaiden Dumouchel-Jones and Lauren Dedo lead the Community Service Committee at Glendale Prep. “The fire truck has come, and they’ve been generous enough to let us learn a little bit about the fire department and the charities that they help partner with,” said Dedo.

Steven Konik with the Glendale Fire Department, who is also a Great Hearts parent, thanked the students for their generosity. “The toy drive is really amazing,” he said. “The kids that are going to get the toys are going to be very grateful for this because this might be the only toy they get all year.”

But the seniors didn’t stop there; they extended their generosity to the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Care packages were assembled with donated items such as toiletries and socks, offering essential items to those facing challenging circumstances. The act of packing these care packages not only demonstrated the seniors’ commitment to service but also showcased their ability to work as a team on the assembly line of donated items.

In the spirit of the season, the Glendale Prep seniors demonstrated that the true essence of the holidays is in coming together, spreading joy, and extending a helping hand to those in need. This retreat served as a powerful reminder that, even in challenging times, the strength of a community lies in its capacity to care for each other.

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